Translation guide
Defamation refers to damaging someone's reputation through false statements. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific legal terms and everyday expressions for slander or libel.
defamation (general/legal)
To refer to the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements, in a general sense.
The standard legal and general term for defamation, covering both libel and slander. It literally means 'damage to honor/reputation'.
He was sued for defamation.
Refers to slander or malicious defamation, often used in compounds like 誹謗中傷 (ひぼうちゅうしょう). It emphasizes the act of speaking ill of someone.
To specifically refer to spoken defamation, as opposed to written.
To specifically refer to defamation in written or published form.
To describe the action of speaking ill of someone, often in casual contexts.
名誉毀損 (めいよきそん) is the formal legal term for defamation, while 誹謗中傷 (ひぼうちゅうしょう) is a broader, more colloquial term for slander and malicious gossip, often used in media reports about online harassment.
English 'defamation' is often translated directly as 名誉毀損, but in casual conversation, Japanese speakers are more likely to use 悪口 (わるぐち) or 陰口 (かげぐち) for everyday badmouthing. Using 名誉毀損 in casual contexts can sound overly formal or legalistic.
He was accused of defamation.
That article could constitute defamation.
ネット上の中傷が問題になっている。
Online defamation has become a problem.
A common compound meaning 'slander and defamation', often used for malicious online comments or gossip.
Defamation and slander are unforgivable.
Oral defamation is also a crime.
He was charged with libel.
Common word for 'badmouthing' or 'speaking ill'. Not a legal term, but used in everyday situations.
He's always badmouthing people.
Refers to 'backbiting' or talking behind someone's back, a form of defamation in social contexts.
Stop talking behind people's backs.
A verb meaning 'to slander' or 'to defame', often used in literary or formal contexts.
He said things that slandered his colleague.
偽りの噂を広めることは名誉毀損の一種だ。
Spreading false rumors is a form of defamation.